Promotional golf tee including a flat, flexible upper portion, alignement means and anchoring mechanism

ABSTRACT

A flexible golf tee includes a concaved head supported by an integrated upper portion comprising a flat, flexible area. An anchoring lower portion includes a pointed tip and a ledge formed where it is integrated with the upper portion. The anchoring lower portion stabilizes the golf tee and helps keep it in the ground upon golf club impact. The flat, flexible area significantly increase the tee&#39;s flexibility and can also serve as a footprint for promotional advertising space on the upper portion&#39;s front and back sides. The concaved head can include alignment means formed thereon for enabling golfers to achieve alignment using the alignment means and flat, flexible portion to achieve a desired direction of travel along the fairway by the golf ball to a target area. Depth indicators when used can enable golfer to track the depth to which the tee is being inserted into the ground.

APPLICATION PRIORITY

The present patent applications claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/505,027 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 23, 2003, entitled “Promotional golf tee including a flexible upper portion, alignment means and an anchoring mechanism.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved golf tee, specifically to new and improved features for a golf tee that include a flat, flexible area on its upper portion and an anchoring mechanism formed on the tee's lower portion to help retain the tee in the ground upon golf club impact. The present invention is also related to systems and methods of achieving proper golfer alignment with a golf tee/ball. The present invention is also related to use of as promotional items golf tees. The present invention is also related an injection molded, one piece, plastic golf tee that can support promotional advertising and function in accordance with the features of the present invention.

BACKGROUND

Golf tees were originally very simple structures, designed only to raise the golf ball off of the ground before striking the ball with a golf club from the teeing area. Golf tees, however, lack flexibility upon impact with a club. Conventional tees do one of two things upon impact. They either fracture along the spine, or “pop” out of the ground and travel haphazardly to be lost or so far out of line that the golfer does not attempt to recover the tee. Golf tees, because of their limited historical purpose, also offer little as a tool in the overall strategy of a golf game. Golf tees are generally viewed as nothing more than a stand or prop for the golf ball during initial driving in a tee box at golf courses.

A number of patents that propose ways to resolve some of the above mentioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,055 discloses a golf tee having an integrated circular non-adjustable base that limits the depth to which a tee can be inserted into the ground and anchoring prongs to provide stability to tees upon impact with a club head and to keep the tees from popping out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. The disadvantage of the '055 device is that it lacks flexibility along the area of the tees stem (spine 14) to allow a club head to easily swing through the tee without disrupting the clubs trajectory. One reason traditional tees are designed to break or dislodge from the earth upon impact by a golf club or driver is so that the golfer's swing and club/driver travel is not significantly impacted. Another limitation with the design of the '055 tee is that it does not provide much “billboard” or advertising space along its surface because of placement of the integrated base (20).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,869 discloses a golf tee including a flexible upper half designed to withstand impact and a rigid lower half including retractable metal spikes that operate to further embed the tee into the ground during use. The disadvantage of the '869 device is that several mechanical parts must operate to deploy the metal spikes. The tee operates in a similar fashion to a retractable ball point pen, wherein physical manipulation of the tees head will cause deployment and retraction of the spikes, thereby taking away any benefit that the flexible upper portion could offer. Impact along the flexible upper portion will surely result in mechanical failure of the device. Furthermore, as with the '055 patent, the '869 patent does not provide adequate advertising space along its surface.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,976,431, 2,839,304, 5,242,170, and Des. 430,913 all provide some form of flexibility but lack any means of anchoring the tee to the earth. The listed patents require complicated manufacture and expense, having more than one part. Furthermore, the traditional golf tee, upon which the forgoing references are modeled, does not provide much “billboard” or advertising space along its surface.

Most known tees are of a complicated construction, are expensive to manufacture, are designed to break or take flight upon impact of the club head, or are of such restrictive function that their use by golfers is substantially limited. Furthermore, golf tees do not generally provide adequate space for incorporation of promotional advertising thereon, which should be a key feature of inexpensive items, such as golf tees, which are typically used as promotional items and given away. Typical wooden golf tee printing is small and can not be read easily by its users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Features of the invention described herein include a new and improved golf tee that is flexible and anchors itself upon/during impact with a club/driver, thus keeping the tee from breaking or too easily “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. Also described are methods for using a golf tee to obtain proper alignment of a golfer with a tee/ball and therefore cause a golf ball to travel substantially towards a target area selected by the golfer.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a single member golf tee made with a flexible material comprising a concaved head supported by an upper portion including a flat, flexible area formed thereon and an anchoring lower portion having a pointed tip for inserting the tee into the ground is described.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the flat, flexible area can significantly increase the flexibility and resiliency of the golf tee and its ability to withstand impact.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the flat, flexible area of the upper portion can be utilized as a footprint for enhanced promotional advertising space on either or both of its front and back sides, and can also be used together with a alignment means formed on/within the concaved head of the golf tee to achieve better golfer alignment with the ball/tee and the golfer's intended target down range along a fairway.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the golf tee can also incorporate at least one depth indicator that enables golfer to track the depth to which the tee is being inserted into the ground, thereby allowing a golfer to control the elevation of the concaved head above ground, and furthermore providing a means to ensure that a golf ball is being set at a proper/desired elevation to meet the needs of a particular golfer.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the golf tee device can include ground anchoring fins to help stabilize the golf tee upon impact with a club head and keep the tee from too easily “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.

The present invention provides additional benefits and advantages, such as:

-   -   An improved golf tee that allows golfers to obtain a consistent         tee height each and every time the ball is teed up.     -   A golf tee made with flexible material that provides the tee         with features of strength and resiliency.     -   A golf tee that helps increase the speed and accuracy of play.     -   A new and improved golf tee that retains a strong resemblance to         conventional golf tee devices that have come to be accepted by         the majority of golfers.     -   A golf tee formed by a single piece of material (commonly         referred to herein as a “single member” golf tee) including a         flat, flexible stem integrated along the upper portion of the         tee, allowing the upper portion of the tee to flex as a golf         club swings through space occupied by the tee and supported         ball, the flexible bridge thereby preventing interference with a         golfer's swing and effective impact of the game ball.     -   A single member golf tee with a flexible bridge feature         integrated along the upper portion of the tee, wherein the         flexible bridge provides a flat footprint that can be used for         pad printing of promotion advertisements, company logos and         personalized messages or names.     -   A tee that can be manufactured in multiple colors and variations         and can include fins for ground anchoring the tee.     -   A golf tee device that conforms to the USGA rules of golf, thus         enabling the tee to be utilized by players of all skill levels,         amateurs and professionals alike.     -   A golf tee that is simple in its one-piece configuration,         economical to manufacture, convenient to carry and insert into         the ground, and serves to substantially control factors that         will enhance a golfer's skill and enjoyment level.

Further features and inventive aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the golf tee showing insertion indicator in accordance with another feature of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of an additional feature of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view showing an example of a golf tee device as shown in FIGS. 11-15 as it is being set up for use.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the golf tee device supporting a golf ball while deployed in the ground and awaiting club impact.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the golf tee device of FIG. 11 in a flexed position just after a club head plays through the space occupied by the upper portion of the tee, wherein impact by the club head causes the tee to bend during club impact.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of one method for using an improved golf in accordance with aspects and features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A golf tee in accordance with features of the present is shown in FIG. 1 (side elevational view) and FIG. 2 (front elevational view). The golf tee of this invention is a single member formed of suitable material such as rubber or molded plastic resin through known mold injection processes. The tee includes numerous structural features designed to effectively minimize and control a number of variables that can adversely affect a golfer's skill and enjoyment level. The tee provides a means for obtaining a truly consistent tee height, with respect to the ground into which the tee is inserted, each and every time the ball is teed up. Further, the tee provides a means for enabling the upper portion of the tee to bend or flex while a club head comes into contact with it. Lastly, the tee of this invention incorporates anchoring features to ensure the stability of the golf tee upon impact with a club, thus minimizing the potential that the tee will either fracture along the spine or “pop” out of the ground and travel haphazardly.

Thus, as shown in the drawings of FIG. 1 the golf tee is indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The tee 10 is inserted into the turf on a golf course for supporting a golf ball (as shown in FIG. 17 so that a golfer may drive the ball, as shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the golf tee 10 includes a concaved head supported by an upper portion 14 including a flat, flexible area formed thereon, and an anchoring lower portion 21 having a pointed tip 24 for inserting the tee 10 into the ground. A concaved head 12 supporting by the upper portion 14 is adapted to support a golf ball in an elevated position (FIG. 17) relative to the ground wherein the tee 10 is retained by the anchoring lower portion 21. The concaved head 12 and pointed tip 24 are features typically found in conventional golf tees. The upper portion 14 including a flat, flexible area formed thereon and the anchoring lower portion 21, however, are not provided in the art.

The golf tee 10 can be molded using a rigid, yet somewhat flexible, shatter resistant plastic resin. The tee 10, however, can be manufactured of other materials that are equally suited to this application, such as rubber, flexible/springy metal, etc. The golf tee 10 can remain anchored in the ground during use because an anchoring means 11 in the form of a ledge can be provided between the upper portion 14 and lower portion 21 of the tee 10. The top surface of the ledge can keep the tee from popping out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the tee 10 indicating the location of the concaved head 12. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the tee 10 wherein the pointed tip 24 and flat upper portion 12 are shown.

As shown in the drawings of FIGS. 6-9, at the lower portion of the tee 10 beneath the flat upper portion 14, but above the pointed tip 24, two ground anchoring fins 22 can be integrated on the tee 10 to extend vertically in an angled or “wedge-like” fashion outward from the lower anchoring portion 21. The ground anchoring prongs 22, upon being inserted into the ground, can serve as the mechanism to stabilize the tee 10 upon impact with a club. The resistance provided by the top surface of the ground anchoring fins 22 can help prevent the tee 10 from “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. It should be appreciated that at least one and more than two anchoring fins can be used without departing from the intended benefit of the anchoring feature of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, at fixed positions along the flat upper portion 14, a depth indicator 20 can extend inward or outward from the side of the flat upper portion 14. The depth indicator 20 can serve as the means for measuring the insertion of the tee 10 at various positions into the ground, thereby ensuring a consistent tee height of the ball in relation to the ground each and every time the tee is used. Furthermore, the depth indicator 20 can be provided in the form of a notch or bump as shown in FIG. 10, or the like, such that the golfer can see and/or feel the indicator as the tee 10 is being inserted into the ground. More than one depth indicator 20 can be located along the side of the flat, flexible upper portion 14, thus, when the tee 10 is inserted into the ground, each and every indication point along the flat, flexible upper portion 14 can be used to indicate the tees insertion depth into the earth.

It should be apparent that there are other various possibilities with regard to the relative placement of the depth indicator 20 along the tee 10. FIG. 10 highlights just two possibilities showing various positions of the depth indicator 20 in relation to the flat upper portion 14 and the head 12.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, a golf tee incorporating additional features is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 11-15, an alignment means 27/28 or 29 is integrated into the concaved head 12 of the golf tee 10. The alignment means 27/28 as shown in FIGS. 11-15 can include a v-notch 28 and/or a slot 27; however, it can be appreciated that the alignment means can include two slots or two v-notches, rather than one of each. As with firearms, it can be found to be easier to align two sites wherein a v-notch is used to center a pin or slot near the end of the firearm; but what is important here is that some form of alignment is provided integral with the concaved head 12 to provide a golfer a better way to aim the golf ball towards a preferred target or direction upon impact. The present inventor has determined that the same alignment configuration can be used generally to align a golf tee toward a preferred (“targeted”) area down range from the tee box on a golf course. It can be appreciated that an alignment means can also take the form of a line 29 formed on the surface of or within the concaved head 10 as shown in FIG. 14, so long as the line is formed along its length at ninety degrees with the flat surface of the printable surfaces of the flat, flexible upper portion. Use of a single line 29 eliminates the need for notches 28 or slots 27.

Referring to FIG. 16, a top view of the concaved head 12 including alignment means in the form of a line 29 or v-notch 28 or slot 27 is shown. As shown in FIG. 16, a golfer can use his/her vision, as represented in the drawing by eye 80, to generally peer through the notch 28 and slot 27, or along the line 29 toward a preferred location 60 (e.g., target) down range along the fairway of a golf course. The golfer would attempt to align the tee using v-notches 28 or slots 27, or a line 29 while inserting the tee into the ground. Once the tee is firmly emplaced within the earth, the golfer, as is normal in golf, will move to the side of the tee's placement area as represented by space 85 and attempt to align him-/her-self at 90° with respect to the expected path of travel for the golf ball after it and the backside of the flat, flexible portion are struck squarely by the front of a golf club or driver head. With the golf tee of the present invention, the golfer can be more sure that he/she is in ninety degree alignment with the direction of club/driver swing and ball travel by focusing only on visual alignment with the flat, flexible upper portion 14 (e.g., a balanced view of both the front and back surfaces of upper portion 14 from the golfer's standpoint) of the golf tee 10. By closely achieving visual alignment with the flat, flexible upper portion 14 of the tee, the face of the driver or golf club used by the golfer should strike squarely against the back surface of the flat, flexible upper portion of the tee and, thus, should also strike the golf ball at almost perfect travel alignment with the golfer's intended target 60.

It should be appreciated that a wide selection of tees 10 can also be manufactured at various lengths to selectively accommodate the unique swing of each golfer, as well as the specific club selection required at each tee box. Also, the dimensions of the flat upper portion 14 can be varied as necessary based on desired positioning of the depth indicator 20 in relation to the head 12 and advertising space (e.g., “billboard”) considerations, thus possibly saving material and controlling manufacturing expenses.

The front and back areas of the flat, flexible area of upper portion 14 can be imprinted as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and FIGS. 7-8 when used as a promotional item for advertising, e.g., special promotions and give-aways. FIG. 2 illustrates a first side (e.g., front) of the flat, flexible area of upper portion 14 to carry printing for “Santa Fe Country Club”, whereas FIG. 3 provides the telephone number for the golf club on the flat area opposite the first side (e.g., back). FIG. 7 shows the name of a firm, “Ortiz & Lopez, PLLC”, imprinted on the first side of the flat, flexible area of the upper portion 14 of tee 10, where the opposite flat area of upper portion 14 provides print for the firm's website. As can be seen by these examples, the golf tee 10 of the present invention provides a generous footprint along the flat, flexible areas of upper portion 14 for printed text, logos, messages and personalization when compared to other golf tees.

It can now be appreciated that printing can be more easily provided on flat areas such as the flat, flexible areas (i.e., the front and back areas) of the upper portion 14 using pad printing technology, silk screening, and other printing methods and systems well known in the art. It can also be appreciated that the present golf tee 10 operates similar to a double-sided billboard as seen along roadways, although the golf tee 10 is of much smaller scale. Advertising is now maximized using the present invention, unlike limited printing space that is provided by previous tee designs. [0047]The process for using the golf tee stand to drive a golf ball is relatively simple and is essentially identical to that of conventional tees in present use. Namely, one first grasps the tee 10 by its flat, flexible upper portion 14 and inserts the pointed tip 24 into the teeing ground. Pressure is applied to the tee head 12 to facilitate insertion into the ground 40 wherein it can then support a golf ball 50, as shown in FIG. 17. Oftentimes, a golf ball is placed on the tee head 12 before the pointed tip 24 is inserted into the ground. Pressure is then applied directly to the golf ball (not shown) to make insertion of the tee 10 easier. The depth indicator 20, upon making/indicating contact with the ground, can serve both as a “stop” for the tee 10 when it is in position (depth) or a visible, touchable marker. The anchoring means 11, which can include fins 22 as previously described, helps prevent the tee 10 from becoming dislodged from the earth 40.

FIG. 18 illustrates a club head 70 passing through the tee's position, as indicated by arrow 75. The club head 70 makes contact with the ball 50 and carries it away from the tee upon impact. The tee flexes 55 as the club head 70 passes through it, and the tee remains anchored in the ground 40. With flexibility and anchoring of the tee 10 as provided with the present invention, ill effects on a golfer's swing of the club are minimized.

To remove the tee 10 from the ground, the tee 10 is simply grasped by the upper portion 14 and lifted vertically. The tee 10 can be reused many more times than a standard wooden tee can be used, at the discretion of the golfer.

If additional ground anchoring prongs 22 as shown in FIG. 6 are provided, the ground anchoring fins 22 work simply after inserting the tee 10 into the ground. The top surface of the ground anchoring fins 22, and/or also the top portion of the ledge 20, provide frictonal resistance to help stabilize the tee 10 and retain it in the earth upon impact from the club head. The function of the ground anchoring fins 22 can be enhanced by twisting the tee one-half turn in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction after it has been inserted into the ground. This utilizes the soil above the ground anchoring fins 22 as an additional source of resistance to further stabilize the tee 10.

Referring to FIG. 19, a flow diagram 100 providing steps a golfer can take to use embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown in step 110, a golfer is provided with an improved golf tee comprising a concaved head for supporting a golf ball, a flat, flexible upper portion and a ground anchoring lower portion. As shown in step 120, Golfer begins inserting golf tee into ground while visually observing alignment of the tee, using alignment notches/aiming lines formed into the concaved head of improved tee, alignment being optionally directed towards a down range area selected by the golfer. As shown in step, 130, Golfer completes insertion of golf tee into ground down to a predetermined or familiar depth using guide integrated into the flat, flexible upper portion of the golf tee. As shown in step 140, Golfer ensures steady placement of golf ball onto the concaved golf ball supporting head. As shown in step 150, Golfer stands in position at ninety degree alignment with notches/lines as can be visually indicated by the golfer's direct alignment with the surfaces of the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee. Finally, as shown in step 160, Golfer swings golf club or driver through the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee preferably in such a manner that the flat surface of the golf club or driver impact against the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee in substantially square alignment, wherein the flat, flexible upper portion bends away from the club or driver as it passes through space initially occupied by the flat, flexible upper portion of the golf tee, said golf ball thereby traveling substantially in the down range direction selected by the golfer

A number of advantages of the invention should now be apparent to those skilled in the art given the description provided herein, including:

-   -   A new and improved golf tee is provided that stabilizes/anchors         itself so that upon impact with a club, it is less likely to pop         out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.     -   An improved golf tee is provided that allows golfers to obtain a         consistent tee height each and every time the ball is teed up.     -   A golf tee is provided with improved strength and resiliency.     -   A golf tee is provided that helps increase the speed and         accuracy of play.     -   A new and improved golf tee is provided that retains a strong         resemblance to conventional golf tee devices that have come to         be accepted by the majority of golfers.     -   A single member golf tee is provided with a flat, flexible upper         portion (e.g., a flexible bridge) integrated along the upper         portion of the tee, allowing the upper portion of the tee to         flex as a golf club swings through space occupied by the tee and         supported ball, the flexible bridge thereby preventing         interference with a golfer's swing and impact of the game ball.     -   A single member golf tee is provided with a flat, flexible area         integrated along the upper portion of the tee, wherein the flat,         flexible area provides a flat footprint that can be used for pad         printing of promotion advertisements, company logos and         personalized messages or names.     -   A golf tee is provided that can be manufactured in multiple         colors and variations and can include prongs or fins for         anchoring operation.     -   A golf tee device is provided that conforms to the USGA rules of         golf, thus enabling the tee to be utilized by players of all         skill levels, amateurs and professionals alike.     -   A golf tee is provided that is simple in its one-piece         configuration, economical to manufacture, convenient to carry         and insert into the ground, and serves to substantially control         factors that will enhance a golfer's skill and enjoyment level.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the golf tee of the present invention provides a simple, economical, and convenient device that can help golfers of all skill levels to improve their mastery and enjoyment of the game of golf. While the description above contains many features, these features should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as the exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.

Many other variations are possible. For example, the ground anchoring fins can take various shapes, the fins can be located at various points along the spine of the tee, the number of fins can be modified, the flat, flexible upper and lower portions can be resized or reshaped, the dimensions of the flat, flexible upper portion can be varied, etc. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A plastic golf tee comprising a concaved head supported by an upper portion including a flat, flexible area formed thereon and an anchoring lower portion including a pointed tip for inserting the tee into the ground.
 2. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a depth indicator, wherein the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up.
 3. The invention of claim 1 further comprising an alignment means formed on or within the concaved head, wherein the alignment means enables golfers to aim the golf tee towards an area targeted by the golfer.
 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprising at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the golf tee and cause the golf tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 5. The invention of claim 2 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprising at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the golf tee and cause the golf tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 6. The invention of claim 3 further comprising a depth indicator, wherein the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up.
 7. The invention of claim 2 further comprising an alignment means formed on the concaved head, wherein the alignment means enables golfers to aim the golf tee towards an area targeted by the golfer.
 8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the flat, flexible area formed on the upper portion provides a footprint whereon at least one of text and design can be printed.
 9. The invention of claim 2 wherein the flat, flexible area formed on the upper portion provides a footprint whereon at least one of text and design can be printed.
 10. The invention of claim 3 wherein the flat, flexible area formed on the upper portion provides a footprint whereon at least one of text and design can be printed.
 11. The invention of claim 4 wherein the flat, flexible area formed on the upper portion provides a footprint whereon at least one of text and design can be printed.
 12. The invention of claim 6 wherein the flat, flexible area formed on the upper portion provides a footprint whereon at least one of text and design can be printed.
 13. A golf tee, comprising: a concaved head supported by an upper portion; an upper portion including a flat, flexible portion further comprising a flat front area and a flat back area whereon at least one of text and a design can be printed; and an anchoring lower portion including a pointed tip and a ledge formed where the upper portion is integrated with the anchoring lower portion, whereby said pointed tip is adapted for inserting the tee into the ground and said anchoring ledge is adapted for enabling the golf tee to remain within the ground during use.
 14. The invention of claim 13 further comprising a depth indicator, wherein the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up.
 15. The invention of claim 13 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprising at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the tee and cause the tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 16. The invention of claim 14 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprising at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the tee and cause the tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 17. The invention of claim 13 further comprising an alignment means formed on or within the concaved head, wherein the alignment means enables a golfer to substantially align the golf tee such that a golf ball can travel mostly in a direction selected by the golfer.
 18. The invention of claim 17 further comprising a depth indicator, wherein the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent gold tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up.
 19. A single member golf tee, comprising: a concaved head adapted for supporting a golf ball and including an alignment means formed thereon; a flat, flexible upper portion integrated with and supporting the concaved head, the flat, flexible upper portion further comprising a flat front area and a flat rear area whereupon promotional advertising can be printed; and an anchoring lower portion including a pointed tip and a ledge formed where the upper portion is integrated with the anchoring lower portion, whereby said pointed tip is adapted for inserting the tee into the ground and said anchoring ledge is adapted for enabling the golf tee to remain within the ground during use.
 20. The invention of claim 19 further comprising a depth indicator, whereby the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up.
 21. The invention of claim 19 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprises at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the tee and cause the tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 22. The invention of claim 20 wherein the anchoring lower portion further comprising at least one anchoring fin integrated thereon, wherein the at least one anchoring fin extends from the anchoring lower portion to serve as a mechanism to stabilize the tee and cause the tee to be retained in the ground during its use.
 23. The invention of claim 21 further comprising a depth indicator, wherein the depth indicator enables golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time a golf ball is teed up. 